76 R90/6 turn signal relay/flasher

[Djohnson1967]

Well, I seem to go from one elec problem to another. I have ABOUT got the brakes=horn problem sorted out. Now on to the others
My turn signals flash VERY rapidly (both left and right) and yes, all 4 lights work, also, the relay/flasher has a very fast(matches the lights flicker)clicking noise.
1. is there a way to test that flasher, and (2) is there a source other than BMW original for replacement? I have considered buying one at local auto zone, "jumpering" it to the female connector just to verify that's the problem. Any other idea's out there?


Don J
76 R90/6 ( my current ulcer generator)
04 GS Dakar
08 RT
4 Vintage Honda's (2 running and 2 in line) and 1 RD250 Yamahammer

 

[jad01]

Well, (2) is there a source other than BMW original for replacement?

Rick Jones has them: www.motoelekt.com/chassis.htm

You might call and ask him what he thinks… might be he could give you a few ideas about what to look for. He's an electrical wizard.

 

[Rod Sheridan]

Well, I seem to go from one elec problem to another. I have ABOUT got the brakes=horn problem sorted out. Now on to the others
My turn signals flash VERY rapidly (both left and right) and yes, all 4 lights work, also, the relay/flasher has a very fast(matches the lights flicker)clicking noise.
1. is there a way to test that flasher, and (2) is there a source other than BMW original for replacement? I have considered buying one at local auto zone, "jumpering" it to the female connector just to verify that's the problem. Any other idea's out there?


Don J
76 R90/6 ( my current ulcer generator)
04 GS Dakar
08 RT
4 Vintage Honda's (2 running and 2 in line) and 1 RD250 Yamahammer

Hi, I changed the flasher on my 76 R90/6 to an automotive type with a pilot function ( flashes the display lamp)..........Regards, Rod.

 

[Djohnson1967]

Hi, I changed the flasher on my 76 R90/6 to an automotive type with a pilot function ( flashes the display lamp)..........Regards, Rod.

Rod: can you give me any info, brand, part # etc you used.
Looks like BMW part is $60.00 little much for my liking

Don J

 

[SCBuckeye]

Well, I seem to go from one elec problem to another. I have ABOUT got the brakes=horn problem sorted out. Now on to the others
My turn signals flash VERY rapidly (both left and right) and yes, all 4 lights work, also, the relay/flasher has a very fast(matches the lights flicker)clicking noise.
1. is there a way to test that flasher, and (2) is there a source other than BMW original for replacement? I have considered buying one at local auto zone, "jumpering" it to the female connector just to verify that's the problem. Any other idea's out there?


Don J

Here is a suggestion I have used over and over again with great success before I went out and purchased anything!

Take the flasher/relay off and figure out how to disassemble. Usually bending tabs (which could break off) or some lip or something. Then totally clean out, using very fine wet-or-dry sanding paper, and electrical contact cleaner. check wiring connections and re-solder if necessary. Clean all wiring connections. Sometimes I ** carefully ** use muratic acid to clean brass connections using "Q-Tips" to apply light amounts to surfaces. Clean off with clear water.

Makes even the oldest relays and flashers come back to life!

Then I re-assemble using old tabs if still usable, or I invent a way to reassemble (like using wire ties, and also sealing with a good silicon sealer to keep out future moisture, etc.

I still have all of my original relays on a 38 year old bike!

 

[pglaves]

I strongly suspect that the issue is caused by the signal bulbs being higher wattage bulbs than originally specified. The higher wattage current draw causes the flasher to flash more quicly. I have seen this several times both with new bigger bulbs as well as when a trailer with extra lights was connected to the flasher circuit.

 

[Djohnson1967]

Thanks Paul and Jimmylee

Both excellent ideas. I will first ck bulbs, compared to stock, then try the take apart theory.
I just have never subscribed to the "replace parts til you fix it practice".
Hey its all fun! fortunate it's not my daily rider
woke up this morning, left home on a '74 Honda CB360T. kept me grinning for several hours!

 

[SCBuckeye]

I strongly suspect that the issue is caused by the signal bulbs being higher wattage bulbs than originally specified. The higher wattage current draw causes the flasher to flash more quicly. I have seen this several times both with new bigger bulbs as well as when a trailer with extra lights was connected to the flasher circuit.

I pull a trailer - but it has only two regular turn bulbs. But when I do, I attach the wiring harness to the connector just under the seat which, then, disables the flashers/tail bulbs actually on the bike, so my flasher still only is affecting one bulb at a time.